Dr. Douglas Kellerman, DC and Dr. Michael F. Petrie, DC deliver expert chiropractic relief in Fort Lauderdale with 71+ years of combined experience. Using Diversified and Gonstead techniques, spinal decompression, and corrective rehabilitation, we help you find measurable relief from back pain, sciatica, and auto accident injuries — often within the first few visits.
Chiropractic adjustment restores proper alignment to the spine's vertebrae, reducing nerve compression at the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar levels. When vertebrae sit out of position, surrounding muscles tighten and disc material can press against nerve roots — causing pain that radiates into the lower back, neck, shoulders, or legs.
Targeted manual adjustments (Diversified technique) and low-force instrument adjustments (Activator method) move the affected segment back into alignment, relieving pressure on the nerve and allowing the surrounding tissue to recover. Research published by the National Institutes of Health confirms that spinal manipulation reduces acute and chronic low back pain at rates comparable to standard medical care, with fewer side effects. For more severe cases involving disc herniation, non-surgical spinal decompression gently separates affected vertebrae, creating negative pressure that may reduce the bulge and relieve nerve pain.
Spine & Joint Center is located at 410 NE 44th St in Oakland Park, just minutes from downtown Fort Lauderdale, serving Broward County families for 45+ years. You can reach our front desk at (954) 561-4700, or schedule online — most appointments are available within 48 hours.
From acute injury to chronic discomfort, Dr. Kellerman and Dr. Petrie deliver targeted care backed by 71+ years of combined experience.
Targeted spinal adjustments to ease lower back tension, reduce inflammation, and restore mobility.
Learn More →Chiropractic care to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve and ease radiating leg pain.
Learn More →Post-collision care for whiplash, spine trauma, and soft tissue injuries — without medications. Florida PIP accepted.
Learn More →Non-surgical approaches including spinal decompression to address disc herniation and nerve compression.
Learn More →Non-surgical traction therapy that gently separates affected vertebrae to relieve disc and nerve pressure.
Learn More →Gentle cervical adjustments to ease stiffness, restore alignment, and reduce nerve pressure.
Learn More →Recovery-focused chiropractic care for athletes — sprains, strains, joint dysfunction, and performance restoration.
Learn More →Expert Diversified and Gonstead techniques to realign the spine and restore joint function.
Learn More →Prenatal-safe adjustments to address pelvic pain, sciatica, and posture changes during pregnancy.
Learn More →Two licensed Doctors of Chiropractic, four signature techniques, and 45+ years at the same Fort Lauderdale-area location.
Diversified technique · Physical therapy · Rehabilitation · IAMA acupuncture certification · New York Chiropractic College
Gonstead technique · Activator method · Spinal decompression · Acupuncture · Life Chiropractic College, Summa Cum Laude
Everything you need to know before your first visit at Spine & Joint Center.
A chiropractor in Fort Lauderdale treats musculoskeletal conditions including back pain, neck pain, sciatica, herniated discs, headaches, whiplash, and auto accident injuries. At Spine & Joint Center, Dr. Kellerman and Dr. Petrie also address sports injuries, pregnancy-related discomfort, and posture problems using Diversified, Gonstead, and spinal decompression techniques.
A standard chiropractic adjustment at Spine & Joint Center Fort Lauderdale takes 15 to 30 minutes for established patients and 45 to 60 minutes for your first visit, which includes a full evaluation and treatment plan. Most patients leave the first appointment with measurable relief and a clear path forward.
No, you do not need a referral to see a chiropractor in Fort Lauderdale. Chiropractors are licensed primary care providers in Florida, so you can call (954) 561-4700 and schedule directly. If your insurance plan requires a referral for chiropractic coverage, we can help you verify benefits before your visit.
Most major insurance plans cover chiropractic care in Florida, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Medicare. Florida auto insurance Personal Injury Protection (PIP) also covers chiropractic treatment after a car accident, but you must be evaluated within 14 days of the crash to qualify.
Many patients feel measurable relief after the first chiropractic visit at Spine & Joint Center Fort Lauderdale, especially for acute back pain or muscle tension. Chronic conditions typically improve over a series of visits as alignment is restored. Dr. Kellerman and Dr. Petrie discuss realistic timelines during your evaluation.
Yes, chiropractic care is generally safe during pregnancy when performed by a trained chiropractor using prenatal-appropriate techniques. At Spine & Joint Center Fort Lauderdale, we use specialized positioning and gentle adjustments to address pelvic misalignment, sciatica, and lower back pain throughout each trimester. Always consult your OB-GYN before starting any treatment.
Yes — chiropractic care is one of the most common treatments after an auto accident in Fort Lauderdale. Dr. Kellerman and Dr. Petrie address whiplash, spinal misalignment, and soft tissue injuries that may not show up on standard X-rays. Under Florida law, you must seek care within 14 days of the accident to keep full PIP benefits.
Chiropractic care focuses on spinal alignment and joint adjustments to address the root cause of pain, while physical therapy emphasizes exercise and movement rehabilitation. At Spine & Joint Center Fort Lauderdale, Dr. Kellerman combines both approaches — adjustments plus rehabilitation exercises — for faster recovery and longer-lasting results.
Book your chiropractic appointment in Fort Lauderdale and start your path toward lasting relief. Same-week appointments are often available.